Lawson commended for investment in a Retail SNAP Incentive Program
Providence, RI—The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) awarded Senator Valarie Lawson with the 2022 Public Health Hero Award. Presented at a reception hosted by RIPHI to thank members of its NOURISH RI coalition which successfully advocated last legislative session for a Retail SNAP Incentive Program, the award recognized Lawson’s “unwavering pursuit of a healthier Rhode Island” and “for championing the Retail SNAP Incentive Program.”
In the FY2023 budget passed by the General Assembly, $11.5 million was allocated to the Department of Human Services to fund the program. The Retail SNAP Incentive Program will provide a SNAP Incentive in the form of an automatic 50% discount on fresh fruit and vegetable purchases for all SNAP recipients throughout the state when paying with their benefits at participating retail grocery stores.
RIPHI Executive Director Dr. Amy Nunn said “Senator Lawson played a pivotal role in securing the allocation of funds for the Retail SNAP Incentive Program and should be applauded for her commitment to helping Rhode Island’s most vulnerable and hungriest populations. This program will reduce food insecurity across the state but will have a particularly significant impact on people of color.” “Senator Lawson is truly a public servant, working for the people of Rhode Island,” continued Nunn.
“By increasing the buying power for SNAP participants to purchase more fruits and vegetables, Rhode Island’s most vulnerable and hungriest populations will be able to improve their diet quality and reduce food insecurity,” said Kerri Connolly, deputy director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute. “This program builds on the public health success of our Food on the Move program by expanding incentives statewide.”
The Retail SNAP Incentive Program is set to launch in select retail stores in the spring of 2023.
Senator Lawson represents district 14 in East Providence. Lawson is Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Secretary of Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, and Secretary of Senate Committee on Special Legislation & Veterans’ Affairs.
About RIPHI
The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to solving complex public health challenges in Rhode Island and beyond. Through direct service programs, policy advocacy, research, training, and innovation, RIPHI works collaboratively to promote community health and eliminate health disparities in vulnerable, traditionally underserved communities that are struggling to access basic needs.
RIPHI’s direct service programs include Open Door Health, Rhode Island’s first primary care and sexual health clinic focused on the LGBTQ+ community; Food on the Move, a mobile produce market that brings fresh fruits and vegetable to neighborhoods in the state’s urban core, NOURISH RI, a grassroots advocacy coalition that recently helped bring a statewide Retail SNAP Incentive Program to Rhode Island; and Faith In Action, a national effort to train clergy and community members within African American faith institutions to provide HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
Learn more at www.riphi.org.